Last night my eldest son Jean-Luc shared with me regarding his conversation with his grandma. "I asked grandma whether she wants to go to heaven, but she said no," said Jean-Luc. "I don't want to go to heaven without grandma and Uncle David. I want to go to heaven with daddy, mummy, Janick, grandma and Uncle David."
So I asked him, "Do you know why grandma said she doesn't want to go to heaven? It's because she wants to see you longer as she misses you. We can't go to heaven yet, not yet as there are still lots of people who need to know Jesus so we are to shine and to help and love others so they can see Jesus through us."
This conversation about heaven with my son enlightened me and brought into perspective what is most relevant and important in life. It's not about how good academically my children need to achieve or whether the school is good or the teachers are good at teaching them the right spelling etc, but our life on this earth is to shine and live for Christ. To be kind, loving and living harmoniously with one another is more important than success, achievement, fame or fortune.
Although Jean-Luc can read and calculate very well, he did tell us recently he doesn't like studying so as parents we know what his interests are and what he would like to become and we will try to encourage him towards his career path rather than necessarily a university career. Who knows he might change. So we shall see. We surrender him and his life to the Lord. Most importantly he knows Jesus.
It brings comfort to my heart when a friend of mine whose youngest son is also Jean-Luc's classmate walked past our house 2 days ago and asked whether I am well. I told her about Jean-Luc and got a bit emotional because of all the struggles I faced and having to discipline him. She said to me, "Do it all prayerfully, sis. It will work out. It will be well. Don't worry."
The thought of knowing that currently our children's teachers in school are teaching them wrong spellings because the teachers are emphasising so much on phonics and so accepting the wrong spellings given or written by their students. Also the thought that teachers are taking a more relaxed approach that if the student is not wanting to participate in class or show no interest to complete their work the teachers will not try to enforce it or impose on them like our teachers used to be many years ago. Instead they choose to mark them down on their report card just because they do not want to provide the much needed one-to-one support that some children need or spare just a few more minutes of their time to be more supportive and kinder to their students, this has pressured us parents to not rely on the teachers to really teach our children well but we are to teach our children ourselves helping them to excel and be disciplined when it comes to school work. This is what we have been trying to instill on Jean-Luc but he doesn't really care.
So after the conversation with Jean-Luc about heaven and also with the words of encouragement from my friend it just brought everything to perspective that in life it is not so much about achieving excellence in education, career, etc but more importantly our children know God and love people. Jean-Luc always has time to talk to people, play and have fun. We as parents are the ones that have to hurry him to do this and that as he likes being dilly dally but when under pressure he can get ready in seconds.
One step at a time, one day at a time we are learning to embrace Jean-Luc the boy and man that God has destined him to become. Whatever it is, let us all learn to have the right perspective in life and not lose sight of what is most important and precious in life - not chasing money, fame or success but having the time for God and for people God has sent into our lives. Pray, uphold and encourage one another are more important than chasing anything else. God promised us that His grace is sufficient for us and He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10 That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 4:19-20
19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen
Love and blessings to you all!
Photos of my children with their beloved grandma:
Jean-Luc presented a bouquet of flowers for grandma on her 80th birthday
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